Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen joins Premier League in 10m euro deal

Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise has finalized the transfer of 26-year-old Dutch goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to newly promoted Ipswich Town in England’s Premier League for a base fee of €10 million.

The deal includes potential performance-based bonuses that could push the total transfer value to €13 million. Scherpen, who stands at just 1.06 meters tall, has completed his medical examinations and is set to sign a four-year contract with the Tractor Boys, beginning this summer.

Standout season in Belgium earns elite move

Scherpen’s move comes after a remarkable season with Union Saint-Gilloise, where he helped the club secure the Croky Cup while also earning the Golden Glove award for most clean sheets in the Belgian league. His consistent performances have drawn attention from top European clubs, including those in Italy, Germany, and now England.

From Brighton to Ipswich: A journey of resilience

The goalkeeper’s path to the Premier League has been anything but straightforward. Originally signed by Brighton & Hove Albion from Ajax in 2021 for €5 million, Scherpen was loaned out multiple times—to KV Ostende, Vitesse, and Sturm Graz—before finding his footing. His permanent move to Union Saint-Gilloise in 2025 for €2 million proved to be a turning point, with the club valuing his shot-stopping ability and leadership between the posts.

Over 43 appearances for Union, Scherpen conceded only 22 goals, keeping 21 clean sheets—a statistic that solidified his reputation as one of the division’s most reliable goalkeepers. His arrival at Ipswich adds depth to a squad that already includes Christian Walton, the club’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, and newly signed Kayne van Oevelen from FC Volendam.

Premier League debut awaits

With Ipswich set to face Osasuna in a pre-season friendly on July 29, Scherpen is expected to integrate quickly into the team’s defensive setup. The club’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions hinge on the performances of its new arrivals, including Scherpen, who will be keen to prove himself at the highest level of English football.